WASHTENAW COUNTY
County Administration
220 North Main Street
Ann Arbor 734-222-6850
https://www.washtenaw.org//
Chamber of Commerce
2010 Hogback Road, Suite 4
Ann Arbor 734-665-4433
https://a2ychamber.org/
Nearly 350,000 people now call the verdant hills and heavily wooded terrain of Washtenaw County their home, of which 75 percent have settled into the progressive urban centers rather than the rolling countryside. The county seat of Ann Arbor is just 45 miles west of Detroit and 35 miles north of the Ohio border, surrounded by fast-growing, charming, and historic towns. A pleasant drive along country roads in any direction will lead to one community after another. Bridgewater, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan and Saline are all within a 30-minute drive from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. Excellent transportation facilities and the region’s proximity to Detroit have made this scenic area increasingly popular with commuters over the past decade, although opportunities for local employment abound.
The field of education and the powerful presence of a university atmosphere have driven the county’s rapid growth, particularly Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Because these universities have attracted so many high-tech industrial research firms and government laboratories to the area, Washtenaw County has evolved into one of the Midwest’s most renowned research centers. Like many of the counties surrounding the greater Detroit area, the automotive industry has historically played a major role in the economic base, with General Motors and Ford consistently ranking among the top three area employers.
Services
The most outstanding healthcare services in Washtenaw County are focused in Ann Arbor, home to major hospitals, extended care facilities, and nearly 2,000 physicians and medical professionals. In fact, the emergence of Ann Arbor as a healthcare center has drawn recognition to the area and ensured cutting-edge medical services for residents. Among the leading institutions are the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, University Hospital, and Women’s Hospital — all in Ann Arbor. Saline is home to the Saint Joseph Mercy Saline Hospital, bringing state-of-the-art healthcare closer to home for those living in the area’s smaller towns.
The resources of the University of Michigan and the brilliance of its graduates from the School of Education enhance the local school district. The public system is regarded as outstanding and highly progressive. With several private schools and alternative schools vying for student population, a healthy but competitive spirit prevails in the field of education. The result is a dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and a winning environment for area youth. Outstanding institutions of higher learning that include Concordia University and Cleary University are available locally for high-school seniors and adults pursuing specialized training or professional degrees. The University of Michigan alone offers programs of studies in nearly 20 colleges.
Lifestyle
Washtenaw County residents enjoy a myriad of lifestyles in this diverse region, choosing from an equally wide range of quality housing options. Popular choices include restored farmhouses, lakefront properties, quaint villages, high-rise condominiums, sprawling country homes, and single-family dwellings along tree-lined neighborhood lanes. In some outlying areas, luxurious golf communities provide the ultimate in elegant living and recreational amenities. Major malls combine with shopping districts that feature distinctive boutiques, farmer’s markets, and the charm of cobblestone streets. The renovated factory warehouse of Kerrytown draws visitors from across the Detroit suburbs to its wonderful cafes and unusual shops. Ann Arbor boasts its own symphony orchestra, civic band, and a civic theatre that showcases the finest of local talent. Institutions of higher education enrich the region’s active cultural community, filling the year’s calendar with the excitement of the visual and performing arts.
Washtenaw County is brimming over with collegiate spectator sports events and active recreational facilities. Golf courses, tennis courts, athletic fields, playgrounds, horseback riding facilities, cycling and hiking trails, and dozens of municipal parks are available for exercise, competitive play, and sheer relaxation. Clubs from cycling to sailing or even Morris dance await the enthusiastic. The county not only maintains a number of expansive parks, but several choice parcels of the extensive Huron-Clinton Metropark system fall within Washtenaw borders.
Colorful annual festivals and special events are traditional favorites with the locals. On three separate occasions throughout the summer, Ann Arbor hosts a Summer Art Fair that takes control of the town for four days. The University of Michigan galleries and museums exhibit ancient and medieval archaeology, rare books, musical instruments. For nightlife, the bright lights of Ann Arbor lead residents to comedy clubs and an eclectic range of musical talent. From the bustling activity of its progressive urban centers to the quiet appeal of its scenic rural areas, Washtenaw is a home for all seasons. Its stable high-tech economy and stimulating intellectual atmosphere combines with natural beauty and abundance of recreational amenities to create a pleasing environment for every age and interest.
Ann Arbor
City Hall
734-994-2650
https://www.a2gov.org
Chamber of Commerce
734-665-4433
https://a2ychamber.org/
The University of Michigan plays an integral role in the excitement and energy that mark the City of Ann Arbor. This internationally recognized institution of higher education shapes the composition of the city’s economy, population and cultural awareness in dynamic ways. The university serves as the city’s primary employer, attracting esteemed professors from across the globe to a welcoming and stimulating community atmosphere. Residents enjoy a diversity of cultural events that promote regional and visiting artists, musicians, writers and celebrities. University of Michigan collegiate sports competition also draws thousands of enthusiastic spectators, driving a brisk tourism business. Fascinating museums, fine galleries, wonderful shopping districts and major malls, spectacular cultural venues, and famous stadiums are just a few of the highlights in this city filled with friendly, tree-shaded neighborhoods.
Chelsea
Village Hall
734-475-1771
https://www.city-chelsea.org/
Chamber of Commerce
734-475-1145
https://chelseamich.com/
Conveniently located near Interstate 94, the Village of Chelsea offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere within a small-town environment. The charm of yesterday blends with modern conveniences throughout the community, where the quiet, shaded streets that make up the residential neighborhoods contrast with the century-old buildings that line the quaint shopping district. As part of Michigan’s high-tech corridor, Chelsea provides the ideal location and educated work force to attract a wide variety of businesses. The public school system upholds the Michigan legacy of excellence, where a dedicated staff works in harmony with parents, local businesses, and community leaders to ensure the finest of academic and extra-curricular programs. Recreational opportunities are superb. Over 400 campsites, downhill and cross-country skiing, 18 lakes, game preserves, state parks, and miles of hiking and bridle trails are all available within a short drive. Aficionados of the arts will also appreciate easy access to the rich cultural venues and events at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and metropolitan Detroit.
Dexter, Dexter Township
Village Hall
734-426-8303
https://www.dextermi.gov/
Township Hall
734-426-3767
www.twp-dexter.org
Chamber of Commerce
734-426-0887
https://www.dexterchamber.org/
Located just eight miles northwest of Ann Arbor is the rural and charming Village of Dexter, designated as “A Place to Grow.” Growth is indeed evident in this area, driven by a flourishing industrial and research park. Close proximity to Ann Arbor and Detroit make Dexter an ideal choice for those who desire a “country home” that offers easy access to educational, cultural, and employment advantages. Located in the village and also within Scio Township, the Dexter School District serves a regional a regional population. The school district provides an adult education program, childcare program, recreational programs, and many enrichment evening classes. Vocational classes are available as a cooperative effort with surrounding districts. Recreational amenities abound within the Huron Clinton Metropark system that surrounds Dexter. Residents can enjoy camping, hiking, cross-country skiing, golfing, and family outings. Huron River and a number of lakes are also within close proximity to the village, beckoning swimmers, water-sport enthusiasts, boaters, and anglers.
Pittsfield Township
Township Hall
734-822-3101
https://www.pittsfield-mi.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
734-665-4433
https://a2ychamber.org/
The unique and diversified Township of Pittsfield bridges the land between Ann Arbor and the City of Saline. Distinguished as one of the fastest growing communities in the nation, Pittsfield is served by three school systems. It is also split into a number of zip codes and offers equally varied environments. The northern portion near Ann Arbor is urban with major shopping centers, luxurious condominium developments, and a rapidly growing industrial and business park community. The southern portion of the town his primarily rural with a minimum lot size of 2.5 acres, lush open space, and several large farms. Although much of Pittsfield could be characterized as upscale, more casual properties and modest homes are available throughout the rural and agricultural zones. The southern part of the township is especially ideal for equestrians who desire to own, breed, and raise horses. Residential highlights within Pittsfield include two luxurious golf-community residences, one designed by the nationally renowned architect Arthur Hills.
Salem Township
Township Hall
248-349-1690
www.salem-mi.org
Chamber of Commerce
734-665-4433
https://a2ychamber.org/
Located in the northeast section of Washtenaw County, Salem Township has gradually evolved into a rural residential oasis. Salem is relatively isolated from the metropolitan giants of the greater Detroit area, and yet the amenities of Ann Arbor are conveniently accessible. Large-scale agricultural concerns remain a vital part of this community and many smaller “hobby” farms and spacious residential lots are also available. The educational needs of area youth are served by outstanding school districts, including highly acclaimed Ann Arbor public schools. The University of Michigan provides a myriad of advantages close to home that range from world-class medical care to a first-rate higher education, cultural attractions, collegiate sports, and expanded shopping. Newcomers can look forward to the relaxed pace and natural beauty of country living, as well as the outstanding recreational amenities provided by lakes, rivers, parks, and first-rate facilities for golfing, water sports, and boating. Even closer to home are community recreation programs, a recreation complex, local parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, and swimming pool.
Saline
City Hall
734-429-4907
http://cityofsaline.org/?module=Home
Chamber of Commerce
734-429-4494
https://www.salinechamber.org/
Located just 15 minutes from Ann Arbor, Saline is a popular bedroom community that also attracts commuters to the University of Michigan in Dearborn and the western metropolitan area of Detroit. An abundance of lovely wood-frame showcase homes, flats, and condominiums are available in the heart of town; although Saline also features new construction on generous lots. Downtown Saline known for fine antiques as well as the renovated historic buildings in its quaint shopping district, while the Main Street park complex serves a recreational focal point for community events. Many new developments dot the countryside around Saline and the southern Scio Ridge area, attracted by easy access to the area’s three airports and the amenities of Ann Arbor. In addition to Saline’s community recreation programs, residents enjoy a recreation complex, local parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, and swimming pool. Downhill and cross-country skiing, boating, hunting, fishing, water-skiing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, horseback riding, camping, and backpacking are just a few of the activities possible in the region’s state parkland.
Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township
City Hall
734-483-1100
https://cityofypsilanti.com/
Township Hall
734-484-4700
https://ytown.org/
Chamber of Commerce
734-665-4433
https://a2ychamber.org/
Century-old residences and lavish examples of Greek Revival and Victorian architecture grace the Huron River as a tribute to the city’s early history of prosperity fueled by automotive industry. Another population boom occurred with the construction of the Willow Run bomber plant during World War II. Throughout its history, the city has managed to enhance its vitality and image. One of Ypsilanti’s focal points is the lake developed by Henry Ford to provide power to his manufacturing plants in the 1930s. Today, Ford Lake serves as an all-season sports facility for the entire community, anchoring a number of recreational amenities. Residents also enjoy the Green Oaks Golf Course, playgrounds, picnic areas, riverfront parks, bike paths, tot lots, athletic fields, tennis courts, and senior center. Ypsilanti has been positively influenced by its institutions for higher learning, particularly the highly regarded Eastern Michigan University. An extensive calendar of events also ensures a rich variety of theatrical, art, and musical productions.
